Emma Crawforth

2 year-old Choisya ternata

Hello Borassus,

It's the damage to the roots that points to vine weevil, not caused by the adults, although I agree that the leaf damage could be in another category!

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

2 year-old Choisya ternata

A note of caution - the soil temperature should be above 5 degrees centigrade when using these nematodes, it's not worth doing it in low temperatures as it won't work and will be a waste.

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

The Blessing of a new Allotment

Hello Dean Lovett,

I've just seen your allotment photo. It looks fantastic. Well done. Time to get planting now!

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

wilted leaves

Hello Carolyn Gray,

Unfortunately this could be phytophthora. Unfortunately there is no chemical treatment for this that amateur gardeners can use. Generally removal of the plant is recommended, and repacement with a species that is not susceptible. To check for it, remove some bark at the base of the main stem and look for black-brown / red-brown discolouration.

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

slugs and snails

Hello rosie plum,

You can water the soil with nematodes. Have a look at Pippa's blog on controlling slugs with nematodes.

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

2 year-old Choisya ternata

As Rosie says, the killer, a predatory nematode, works really well on vine weevils.

Emma

gardenersworld.com team.

Pound shop plants- any success stories?

I went to an event at a very posh nursery and found some houseleeks for 50p. I was very pleased with myself as I'd wanted some for a while and they require so little care. They looked a bit ragged but I was sure they'd be fine after re-potting. Not so - at home the compost revealed vine weevil. My bargain was not a bargain at all and the posh nursery should be ashamed of itself!

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

growing tomatos

Hello Steven,

Here's Sarah Raven talking about growing tomatoes outside, some advice on sowing tomato seeds, Chris Beardshaw explaining how to increase yields inside and Monty on using growing bags. There is plenty of other information on the site. You can put 'tomato' in the search box to find it.

Concerning problems there's splitting, blight and mouldy leaves etc. etc., but I don't want to put you off!

Enjoy it - the flavour of home-grown tomatoes is unsurpassed.

Emma.

gardenersworld.com team

Talkback: How to care for orchids

Hi orchid growers,

sara, if your orchid came in a transparent plastic pot, leave it in there - it's perfect for moth orchids as they benefit from having their roots in the light.

Richard, my moth orchid flowers gradually fade one by one. I just gently pull them off when I think they don't look pretty anymore. If your stem is healthy and green, don't cut it off.

kater1, I water my orchids in the bath with shower water. I use slightly warm water to make them feel as though they are in a tropical forest. They do fine with this treatment which I do once a week.

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

Very small orchard

Hello Helga,

Do you want to produce fruit? If so you'll need some pollinators. These are trees of other varieties that pollinate your trees (and vice versa) to produce fruit. Although some fruit trees are self-fertile, you're likely to get a better yield if you have another variety close by. Have a look at Adam's blog on choosing apple varieties. If your neighbours have fruit trees you could rely on them! Good luck,

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

Big Garden Birdwatch

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Mildew

sweet peas